Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 56

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago), pub
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman bros.
Number of Pages: 1316


USA > Missouri > Carroll County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 56
USA > Missouri > Chariton County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 56
USA > Missouri > Clay County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 56
USA > Missouri > Linn County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 56
USA > Missouri > Ray County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 56


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Melvin Field remained at home with his parent- until he was sixteen years of age, at which time his widowed mother married Thomas E. Perry, of lloward County, Mo., after which he and his two brothers lived with them for about one year, and then started to do for themselves. Ilis educational opportunities were limited to the common schools. and then only to the winter terms, but he was very industrious, persevering, ambitious and naturally intelligent, and at the age of seventeen years re- turned to Clay County to make his own way in life. Two years later he went to his birthplace in Kentucky on a visit, and after his return to Clay County in 1854 he was married to Miss Mary Ann Withers. a daughter of George and Martha ( Price) Withers, and in due course of time six children were born to this union: Newton W., who was ac- cidentally shot and killed at the age of nineteen years; Edward, who died in childhood; George T., who is now a resident of Kansas City, Mo .; Mattie. who is also a resident of that place; Walter, who is now in Montana; and Mary R., a resident of Kansas City. The mother of these children wa- called from life after a lingering illness resulting from a cancer, her death taking place soon after the performance of a surgical operation. She was an exemplary woman in every particular, a model


yours truly Louis C. P. Stuenkel


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


wife and mother and a faithful friend, and at the time of her death was an earnest member of the Christian Church.


In 1888, Mr. Field took for his second wife Miss Lou Robinson, whose father is a well-known resi- dent of Jackson County, Mo., she being one of his eleven children, five sons and six daughters. Mr. Field has spent about one-half of his life as a fol- lower of mercantile pursuits, is prominent and re- spected in the trade. and is well worthy of the sue- cess achieved, being at all times responsible and re- liable, as his large trade would indicate. He gives his whole time and attention to the interests of his patrons, who receive his prompt and careful at- tention, while his many worthy characteristics have won him numerous warm personal friends. His judgment has led him to support the princi- ples of Democracy on all occasions, but he is by no means a political aspirant. although he has always been interested in political matters. He is an car- nest member of the Christian Church and a man . of exemplary habits.


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QUIS C. F. STUENKEL, a retired merchant of Bucklin, is a notable example of Amer- ica's self-made men. He has surmounted all difficulties in his pathway and from a small be- ginming has risen to a position of importance and wealth. entirely through his own native qualities of perseverance and energy. Our subject is the son of George HI. F. Stuenkel, a native of Hesse- Cassel, Germany, where he was a leading teacher for fifty-tive years. He received several honorary medals from the Government for his methods and superior manner of teaching. The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Miss Amalia Schoof. She was also born in Hesse-Ca-sel. Ger- many, and received the benefits of a superior edu- cation. Both parents spent their lives in the Fa- therland, and of their six living children of a fam- ily of fourteen our subject is the only one who resides in America.


Mr. Stuenkel, of this sketeh. was born June 28. 1836. in Here-Cassel, where he resided until nine-


teen years of age. He received a good German education and studied both Latin and French. His father intended him to adopt the ministry and therefore gave him exceptional advantages. For a short time before leaving his native land, our subject worked in a tannery operated by his brother. In 1855, crossing the Atlantic, he ianded in New York City, from where he went to St. Louis, working for a short time in both cities. In 1858, he purchased a farm on section It. township 57. range 18, in Linn County, Mo., near the city of Bucklin. This tract was all wild land, consist- ing of both timber and prairie, and to its cultiva- tion he devoted his energies until 1862.


Being a strong sympathizer with the Union cause, Mr. Stuenkel came nobly to the defense of his adopted land and in the fall of 1862 enlisted in Company G, Second Misouri Cavalry. The previous year he had assisted in raising this com- pany in the locality of his home. Joining the com- pany at Macon City, he went with them to Mexico. Mo., thence to Warrensburgh and Paris in this State, and from there to St. Louis and Pilot Knob. He took part in a number of battles and skirmishes. chief among which we mention the following: Bayou Meta, Little Rock. Arkadelphia and skirm- ishes in the vicinity of Little Rock. He was escort to Gens. Davidson, Carr and Steele. Going to Memphis, his company was then sent to Atlanta and Chattanooga. For three years and two weeks he was a faithful and valiant soldier and has never seen cause to regret having taken up arms in de- fense of the land he has learned to love so well. Hle was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn.


Returning to his home on leaving the army. Mr. Stuenkel found that his farm had been stripped during his absence. He therefore located in Buck- lin, where he opened a bakery and later a livery stable. In 1870, he embarked in the mercantile business, and some time later took George Mane- wal into partnership with hun. They erected a tine brick store building, which they still own. In the spring of 1889, our subject retired from the firm and has since been ocenpied in looking after his property. He owns a farm of four hundred and forty acres, which is largely under cultivation. In Bucklin, he is the owner of live residences. two


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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


business blocks, and a livery stable. also two vacant 1


style. Removing with his parents to Clay County lots. He is President of the stock company which ; in 1866. he was reared in this part of Missouri. has a factory in the village for the manufacture of window blinds. and is also a stockholder and Director in the bank of Bucklin. and received his education in the excellent school- of his home locality. His father, Charles Me- Kinney, was born in Wayne County, Ky .. in 1831. and made his home in Missouri in 1850, three years later, in 1853, marrying Miss Lucinda Culp. a daughter of Nathan Culp, one of the honored pioneer settlers of Missouri. Seven children blessed the home of our subjeet's father, but three of the little ones, lolinnie, Emma and Ada Green. died in infancy.


In 1868. Mr. Stuenkel was united in marriage with Elizabeth Manewal. a sister of George Mane- wal, whose sketch appears on another page of this work. The lady was born in 1848. in Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany. They have had seven children. two of whom are deceased. The other members of the family are as follows: Louis, Carl, Emma. Will- iam and Otelia. They have all been well edueated and are musically inclined. In their pleasant home can be found a fine piano and organ, on both of which instruments Miss Emma is a good per- former.


Our subject and his family hold membership with the Lutheran Church. The former is a mem- ber of the Masonic order, being Treasurer of the Blue Lodge at this place. Ile is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed all the Chair- and served several terms as Noble Grand. For the past fifteen years he has been a member of the School Board and for ten years has been Trustee of the township. Ile has held the office of President of the Township Board and has also been Alderman for several terms. He is a stanch Republican and is justly numbered among the live business men of the town. In 1881. in company with his wife, he made a trip to his na- tive land, and spent four months in visiting the scenes of his youth.


ILLIAM N. MCKINNEY, a prominent cit- izen and the efficient senior editor of The Excelsior Standard, a leading Democratic paper of Clay County. Mo .. is a native of the State, and was born in Andrew County, July 25. 1857. Our subject is widely known as an able editorial writer of extended information, broad intelligence and liberal views, and is strong in argument, convincing in logie and pleasing in ;


The four who survived to mature years were: N. B. MeKinney. the eldest brother, who passed away at twenty-seven years of age, in November, 1882: Annie died in 1886, aged nineteen years: in Sept- ember. 1887, sister Bettie, twenty-six years of age, also died. leaving our subject. William. the sole representative of the once happy family who in days of yore had clustered about the parents' fireside. The beloved mother died after a life of Christian usefulness in July. 1887. The father. during the goldl excitement of 1852, took the long overland trip, traveling by ox-teams across the plains. He made some money by the venture. and enjoyed the many novel and exciting experi- ences incidental to the journey.


William N. MeKinney and Miss Georgia A. Cra- ven were united in marriage August 26. 1889. Two bright and promising little sons have brought simshine into the pleasant home of our subject and his estimable and accomplished wife. Clar- ence, the elder of the brothers, was born June 21. 1880. Curtis, the youngest, was born October 12. 1890.


Mr. Mckinney has been variously engaged dur- ing his business career. Ile was for some length of time busily occupied in handling merchandise. and afterward profitably entered into the pursuit of agriculture. For six years he devoted himself to editorial work in Excelsior Springs, and for the past three years has been engaged upon the Stand- ard. and has been the main architect in laying the broad foundations for the prosperous future of this excellent paper, which already enjoys an ex- tended and rapidly increasing circulation. 1 thoroughly Democratic organ, reliable and straight-


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forward, the Standard is gaining favorable'reeng- nition and patronage from "the party," and is appreciated by the general public, who find mnuch local and outside news, spicy items and bright editorials within the attractive and readable col- umins. The Standard is the property of MeKinney &. Craven, editors and proprietors, who devote their paper to "news, truth and business." Our subject has from his earliest manhood been with word and pen one of the most important factors in the promotion of local enterprises and publie improvements, and as a progressive citizen of high integrity has worthily won the confidence and regard of a large circle of old-time friends and acquaintances.


ENRY C. SASSE, an energetic, enterprising and extensive agriculturist, owning one thousand and eighty acres in his home farm, located on section 35. township 52, range 19. Chariton County, Mo., is a native of this part of the State, and was born in Brunswick, Chariton County. in 1852. His father, Charles Sasse, was for many years widely known in this neighborhood as an industrious, thrifty and hard- working citizen. worthy of respect and contidence. Charles Sasse was a native of Germany, and was educated in his Fatherland. but carly resolved to make America his permanent home. In 1810, bid- ding adieu to all the scenes of youth. he embarked for the United States, and having accomplished the swift voyage across the ocean. journeyed from New York to St. Louis.


From St. Louis, the father of our subject trav- elcd to Illinois, locating in Belleville, where he spent two years working at his trade of shoo-maker. After leaving Belleville, he soon settled in Bruns- wick, Chariton County, Mo., where for eight years he steadily followed the business of -hoe-making. At the expiration of this length of time he bought the valuable homestead upon which he continued to remain until his death, August 15, 1871, when he passed away univer-ally lamented as an excel- lent citizen and kind friend and neighbor. When


le first come to St. Louis, he was literally without one cent, in fact was utterly penniless. His pour- nge and self-reliance were all his capital with which to begin his life in America. He conquered all difficulties and won his way upward until he had not only achieved a comfortable competence for himself, but had also liberally provided for his fan:ily.


In 1845, Charies Sasse was united in marriage with Miss Mary Manson, also a native of Germany. This estimable lady became the mother of seven children: Mary. Mrs. F. Kalinka, was the eldest: Eliza is Mrs. George Heckler; Lena is Mrs. Her- man Korff, a widow; Henry C. is our subject; William T. resides at home. Two children of the family died young. Grandfather Mansen and his wife, Grandmother Minnie Mansen, lived with their daughter upon the homestead. and. although both were natives of Germany, had spent many years in this country when they passed away, each about seventy-five years of age. When Mr. Charles Sasse purchased the farm, he paid $6 per acre, most of the land being in its primi- tive condition, and few, if any. improvements hav- ing been made thereon. The present owner, our subject, would not sell under $50 per acre, nor is he anxious to make a sale even at that price.


The homestead now contains a commodious re-i- dence and substantial barns and outbuildings. There are seventy-five head of mixed cattle. twenty head of work mules, a team of fine driving horse .. and several other head of eolts and horses. all housed upon the farm, which is entirely under the super- vision of Henry Sasse. Our subject has eight bun- dred acres, all in a high state of cultivation, some of which he now rents, but the greater part of the land is entirely within his full control. He takes an active interest in the affairs of the day. and i- prominent in local enterprise, and was for some time one of the Directors of the National Bank of Brunswick, and still holds stock in the same finan- eial institution. Mr. Sasse has never married. but is a social favorite, and a liberal giver in the good work of the Lutheran Church. of which he has long been a valued member. Politically. our sub- jeet is an ardent Republican, and a firm believer in the principles of the party. Never a politician in


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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


the common acceptation of the term, he ever takes an abiding interest in the local and national issues, and both at the polls and by his intelligent in- finence, does his duty as a true American citizen. Spending his whole life within the limits of the county, Mr. Sasse has been one of the main pro- moters in local growth and improvement, and to his efforts much of the rapid advancement of home interests is due. This fact is appreciated by his co-workers and the general public, which holds our subject in high esteem.


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D. ROBERTSON, ex-Postmaster of Tina. G is a popular druggist in that place. Ile is of Scotch-Irish extraction and was born in Westmoreland County. Va., June 15. 1839. Ilis paternal grandfather was Thomas Rob- ertson, who settled in Virginia in the last cen- tury. lle is a son of Oscar F. and Eliza P'. (Claughton) Robertson, both natives of the Old Dominion. The father removed to Livingston County, Mo., in 1845.


The subject of this sketch was but six years of age when he removed from his birthplace to the West, where he attended the common schools and assisted his father in the work of the farm. lle is one of six children. and, as he was the eldest son, an extra share of labor devolved upon his young shoulders. After leaving school he suc- cessfully taught in the schools of this county for some fourteen years. In 1873 Mr. Robertson en- gaged in the drug business at Bedford, Mo .. which enterprise he carried on for a number of years. In 1884 he removed to Tina, which has since been his home. Ile continues in the drug business, and is one of the active merchants of the town.


In 1886 Mr. Robertson was appointed Post- master of Tina. which position he held for three years to the satisfaction of his fellow-townsmen. As might be inferred from his devoting so many years to educational affairs, he is much inter- ested in our invaluable school system, and is now Clerk of the Board of Directors of Public


Schools. Politically, he is affiliated with the Dem- veratic party. He is member, and has been Finan- cier for the past five years, of Tina Lodge No. 361, A. O. C. W.


In 1865 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rob- ertson and Miss Mary Collett, of Carroll County. To them was born a son, Henry, who is a well- known citizen of Tina. Mrs. Robertson was called from this life in 1878, and in the following year Mr. Robertson wedded his present wife, Miss Mary J. Richerson, who was born in Kentucky. Their three children are all daughters, who are called respectively: Anna, Blanche and Effie. Our suh- ject and his estimable wife hold membership with the Baptist Church, in which they are valued workers. In 1893, when the village of Tina was incorporated, he was appointed one of the Trus- tees and elected Chairman of the Board.


AMES S. DUNCAN is engaged in the sad- dlery and harness business in Browning, Linn County. Ile is a native of Scotland, and was reared in the northern part of that famous country. His parents were William and Barbara (Shand) Duncan, who were also born in the same land. and the former of whom was a farmer by occupation. He removed to Pennsyl- vania in 1873, in which State he is still engaged in agricultural pursuits. Our subject is one of nine sons. Ile has one sister, Barbara.


Mr. Duncan received a good education in both general, scientific and musical directions. For a number of years he has been a teacher of instru- mental music, giving lessons on various instru- ments. He has been an intelligent reader and keeps thoroughly abreast of the times. At the age of twelve years he commenced to learn the trade of harness and saddle making, and for six years worked in various parts of England and Ire- land.


When eighteen years of age, our subject con- eluded to emigrate to the New World, believing that wider opportunities were there offered to young men of enterprise and business ability.


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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


Crossing the Atlantic, he landed in New York City in March, 1869. For a short time he re- mained in the East. and thence went to Pennsyl- vania and some of the Western States on a pros- pecting tour, in search of a place where he could locate to the best advantage. Ile came to Browning in 1876, engaging in his present busi- ness, which he has since increased to its present proportions. In 1881 be purchased land in tins county, which he improved and afterward sold. Ile purchased a farm at $12 an acre and sold the same at an increase of $8 an aere. He is a practi- cal bee-keeper. importer and breeder of Italian bees and queens, and is considered an expert in bee culture.


The first marriage of Mr. Dunean was celebrated in 1880 with Miss Sallie Johnson, of Linn County. and to them were born two sons. James Arthur and Harry Lee. His first wife having died. Mr. Dunean was again married. in 1887, this time to Mary Vanhorn.


Mr. Duncan is a School Director of the Brown- ing district, and is a member of Browning Lodge No. 373, I. O. O. F., and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is an advocate of the Democratic party.


Le D. HYDE. Among the principal land- owners and influential farmers of Chariton County the gentleman whose name heads this sketch .is prominent. He has always been a very active business man and in his various ven- - tures has shown much forethought and sagacity. His home is on section 33, township 51. range 18. of this county. He was born on his father's old homestead in 1819, and there passed his boyhood and youth. He received much of his education at Keytesville and at the age of eighteen years started out to make his own way. From 1873 until 1880, he resided in that city, where he was engaged principally in loaning money. In 1879. he re- moved to his present farm, where he erceted a large and handsome brick house, which adds greatly to the appearance of the farm.


On July 3. 1873, Mr. Hyde married Miss Mary A. Garnett, a sister of the esteemed Dr. Garnett. whose sketch appears in another portion of this work. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Ilyde has been blessed with a family of seven children, of whom six are living. They are as follows: Richard S .. Annie K .. Sallie B., Mollie. Claud L. and Garnett. One ebild died in infancy.


Mr. Byde in addition to his farm. which com- prices six hundred and sixty-five acres, is also owner of considerable property in Kansas City. In his business career. he has met with marked success. his methods being correct and his judgment clear. Ile belongs to one of the best families in the county and is himself a leading man. Since be- coming a voter, he has east his ballot with the Democratic party.


2 EWTON LONG is one of the most exten- sive and wealthy farmers and stock-raisers of the county. Ilis home is located on sec- tion 27, township 56. range 20, Chariton County. Beginning in life without means, he has been per- severing and industrious, thus accumulating hi- present fortune. Ile is now the owner of four thousand acres of land, which is all under good cultivation, well fenced, and, with the exception of four hundred acres, is situated in one body.


Our subject was born July 18. 1846, in Mason County. W. Va .. and was a son of Isaac and An- geline (Grice) Long, both natives of West Vir- ginia. where they grew to maturity and were mar- ried. The father removed to Missouri in the spring of 1855, making a settlement in Mendon Township, this county. He was a farmer by oc- cupation and remained in the West until 1-64. when he returned to the State of his birth. where he is still living on the farm where he was born. Hle and his wife are now both seventy years of age. Their family comprised three children. of whom two are now living: our subject and a sister. Mr -. Mary Thornberg. The mother has for many years been connected with the Baptist Church.


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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


Mr. Long, whose name heads this sketch, was nine years of age when brought by his parents to Missouri. He attended a log schoolhouse in the neighborhood of his father's farm and was for nine months a student at the New Antioch Seminary in Ohio. He was reared to farm life and com- mneneed for himself at the age of nineteen years on the very farm which has since been his place of abode. Ilis father, having returned to the East, placed him in charge of his extensive farm. com- prising some eighteen hundred acres. In 1870 he received eight hundred aeres of this land from his father, and to this nucleus he has constantly added until he is now the owner of four thousand aeres of good farming land, all of which is being culti- vated. A portion of this he carries on himself, renting the remainder.


For a number of years our subject has made a specialty of raising cattle, and at the present writ- ing (1893) is feeding seven hundred head. lle owns a fine herd of Hereford cattle, which are thoroughbreds, and on nine of these he took the medal at the State Fair of 1892. Ile has seventy of these superior animals. Ile is also an extensive raiser of fine horses, and among these are two thoroughbred Clydesdales and two "Mambrino Chief" horses. Ile has a number of very fine young trotters, and in all owns upward of one hundred horses. On his farm may also be found four hundred head of fine-grade hogs.


In 1886 Mr. Long erected a fine, modern farm residence at a cost of $10,000, and three substan- tial barns. He is progressive in his ideas and uses the most improved machinery in carrying on the work of his farm, which is a model one in every respect. Ile helped to organize the bank at Cun- ningham, which was afterward removed to Men- don, and is now knowti as the Bank of Mendon. Its capital stock is $10,000, and from the start he has been its President. Mr. Long has 84,000 in- vested in the Montana Chariton County Stock Range, which is situated in the State of Montana.


In 1867 Mr. Long was married to Miss Mary Lottridge. Mr. Long is finely educated, was born in the Empire State, and is a daughter of Robert Lottridge, who is now deceased. To our worthy subject and wife were born a son and daughter:


Cora A .. wife of E. B. Kellogg; and Harry, who is unmarried and resides at home.


Though voting the Democratic ticket. Mr. Long is not a great partisan and takes but ht- tle interest in political affairs. Hle is a member of the Masonic order and has served as Master of the Blue Lodge, and is also a member of the Chapter and Commandery at Brookfield. He holds mem- bership with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Mendon, and also with the Ancient Order of United Workmen of the saine town.


SA D. BRASHER. Among the highly honored and reputable citizens of Ray County, Mo., who in discharging the va- riou- duties of life have acquired honor- able distinction, is Asa D. Brasher, who is well worthy of respect and consideration. Ile has been exceptionally successful in the accumulation of worldly good-, and his magnificent farm attests by its productiveness the thrift, system and en- ergy which have ever marked the owner. Mr. Brasher was born in Guilford County, N. C., on the 25th of June, 1816, a son of %. D. and Lucy ( Ma- gee) Brasher. who were also North Carolinians, the death of the father occurring in the State of his birth. The mother was born in 1791, and about 1827 she removed to Missouri by wagon with her six children, and about 1832 settled in Ray County. She immediately located on a farm, and there this courageous pioneer woman braved the hardships, privations and dangers incident to life in a new country, in order that her children might have homes of their own. She reared her family to maturity and bad the satisfaction of see- ing them in homes of their own, and in a fair way to a prosperous future, prior to her death. . July 27, 1877, when eighty-six years of age.




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